Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

As a dietary supplement, black currant is available in 500 milligram and 1,000 milligram capsules that typically contain black currant seed oil, vegetable glycerine, and gelatin. Black currant is likely safe when used at a maximum dose of 1,000 milligrams (500-1,000 milligrams are often used per day). Black currant juice is also commercially available and has been taken in doses up to 1.5 liters per day, when mixed with apple juice. Maximum doses of black currant seed oil used in clinical trials range from 4.5-6 grams per day up to eight weeks, although there is no proven effective dose, and safety has not been established. Black currant anthocyanins have been taken in doses of 7.7-50 milligrams for up to two months. Based on some herbal textbooks, there is a lack of reported toxicity concerns with black currant consumed as food or ingested in 500 milligram tablets three times a day.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for black currant in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to black currant, its constituents, or plants in the Saxifragaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

In general, there is a lack of safety information about black currant. Anecdotal information indicates that black currant seed oil may cause diarrhea. Furthermore, some people are not able to tolerate black currant seed oil in capsule form, resulting in diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The gamma-linolenic acid in black currant may alter blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients with high blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medication.

Avoid in patients with hemophilia or those on anticoagulants (blood thinners) unless otherwise recommended by a qualified healthcare provider, as black currant may enhance the effects of anticoagulants.

Use cautiously in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and in children and the elderly, as their immunity and bodily functions are compromised or underdeveloped.

Use cautiously in those with venous disorders, as black currant may increase peripheral blood flow and circulation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Black currant is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence; therefore, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use the black currant seed oil, unless a qualified healthcare provider recommends otherwise.